January 24, 2021 • 11 AM
Featuring:
BETTER TOGETHER
A NEW OUTREACH CENTER
FIRST TIME HERE We are so glad you are joining us! If you’re out there watching, check in through the website or take a picture and post it on social media using #asburyfirstathome. Our hope is to get to know you better and help you find your place within our community. Additionally, drop us an email at info@asburyfirst.org and we will answer any questions you may have. Need prayer? We invite you to share with us how we can be praying for you by emailing prayers@asburyfirst.org. All prayer requests are prayed over by our Ministers and Intercessory Prayer Group. Children We believe children are a sacred gift. You can join us at 10 am for the Sunday morning Zoom with Paula and Holly (us02web.zoom.us/j/86857108916?pwd=aHF4TEppZERJSXZoZm FxUHgrQ1hjdz09). We will have a segment during our live stream for Children’s Time. If there is a way our children’s ministry can be more welcoming to you and your child, please contact Paula Dugan at pdugan@asburyfirst.org. RECONCILING STATEMENT We are a reconciling congregation and seek to be a fully inclusive church, believing that all people are God’s children. We encourage full participation in our community for all, regardless of age, race, origin, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family structure, education/economic background, and physical/mental ability. We recognize that we hold a variety of opinions. We do not seek to erase our differences, but to journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect. We believe that reconciliation to God and to one another is central to our mission and ministry. GIVE TO ASBURY FIRST There are three ways to make a gift to Asbury First. Each gift supports the everyday ministries and operations of this church, allowing us to live into our vision to Do More Good. Cash/Check—We welcome you to send a gift of cash/check in the mail. Text to Give—You may give a gift with a debit/credit card by texting the dollar amount to 206-222-1050. Online—Online giving is available on our website at www.asburyfirst.org/give. Watch and listen Tune into the live video stream of the 11 am service at www.asburyfirst.org/worship/live. To listen to the service tune into WRFZ 106.3 FM Rochester Free Radio, or call our toll-free number at 833-829-1050. A video archive of past services is also available at www.asburyfirst.org/worship/video-archive. You can also view all sermons on our YouTube channel.
11 am • January 24, 2021
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Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Prelude
"Our Father, Thou in Heaven Above” — Johann Schneider
Welcome
Call to Worship Based on Psalm 63
All are invited to read the bold-faced type; the lay reader will read the unbolded type. For God alone our souls wait in silence. In God alone do our spirits find peace. God alone is our rock and our salvation. In God alone our faith remains unshaken. Pour out your hearts before God. God is our refuge and strength. Put your trust in God. God’s steadfast love endures forever.
The community gathers As the community gathers, may the music of the prelude draw your hearts and minds to God.
Opening Hymn
#577 "God of Grace and God of Glory", vv. 1, 3, 4 Words: Harry Emerson Fosdick, 1930; Tune: Cwm Rhondda, John Hughes, 1907 Words: Charles Wesley, 1746; Tune: Darwall’s 148th, John Darwall, 1770
11 am
Scripture Matthew 25:31-40
(Jesus said,)“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’"
Prayer of Confession
God of our salvation, you remind us anew that your kingdom has come near. As once you called your disciples, you call us to partner with you. Forgive us when we hesitate to heed your call. Renew us, Holy One, that we might be true heralds of your redemption.
Silent Confession
Word of Assurance
Just as God forgave our ancestors when they strayed from the paths of life, God will always reach out to us and for us. Pour out your hearts before God, and find peace. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen.
Gloria Hymnal #102, Tune: “Now Thank We All Our God”
All glory be to God, all praise and thanks be given; Whose Son and Spirit reign as one in highest Heaven; Our one eternal God, whom earth and heaven adore; For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore.
To hear the word
Anthem
"Follow Me” — South Carolina Spiritual, arr. John Carter Fisherman Peter by the sea, drop your net now and follow me! Fisherman Peter by the sea, drop your net now and follow me! Brother James, son of Zebedee, leave your fishing and follow me! Brother John, son of Zebedee, leave your fishing and follow me! All you people now come along, hear Jesus calling and join His song. He will show us the way to go, so come and follow and don’t be slow. Come and follow, and don’t be slow.
Children’s Time
Children of all ages are invited to join us in this special moment.
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Hymn
#398 "Jesus Calls Us", vv. 1-3, 5 The hymn can be found on the next page.
Sermon
Bring It Home
Choral Response
We heed, O Lord, your summons, and answer: Here are we! Send us upon your errand, let us your servants be. Take us, and make us holy; teach us your will and way. Speak, and behold! we answer; command, and we obey!
#398 "Jesus Calls Us", vv. 1-3, 5 Words: Cecil Frances Alexander, 1852; Tune: Galilee, William Jude, 1874
Invitation to Discipleship, Membership, and Commitment
Our Creative God endows us with the gifts of time, talent, and treasure. Within this bulletin you will find invitations to enrich your faith journey and enhance your commitment. We invite you to prayerfully consider these opportunities. If you’re out there watching, check in through the website or take a picture and post it on social media using #asburyfirstathome. You may give a gift with a debit/credit card or by e-check by texting the dollar amount to 206-222-1050. Online giving is available on our website at www.asburyfirst.org/give.
Offertory
“Lead Gently, Lord” — Clif Cason; words by Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906) Lead gently, Lord, and slow, For oh, my steps are weak, And ever as I go, Some soothing sentence speak; That I may turn my face Through doubt's obscurity toward thine abiding-place, E'en tho' I cannot see. For lo, the way is dark; Through mist and cloud I grope, Save for that fitful spark, The little flame of hope. Lead gently, Lord, and slow, For fear that I may fall; I know not where to go Unless I hear thy call. My fainting soul doth yearn For thy green hills afar; So let thy mercy burn- My greater, guiding star!
Doxology Hymnal #95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Prayer of Dedication
God of abundance, may our offerings of time, talent, and treasure be symbols of our faith in your bounty. May they be symbols of our commitment to follow your call in our lives. Amen.
To Disperse in Mission
Closing Hymn
#582 “Whom Shall I Send” (vv. 1-3) Words: Fred Pratt Green, 1970; Tune: Deus Tuorum Militum; 18th cent. French, arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams
Permissions: “Follow Me” © 1993 Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.; “Lead Gently, Lord” © 2014, St. James Music Press; Hymns © 1989 The United Methodist Publishing House; OneLicense.net #A-721053. Some of the liturgical elements have been adapted from the 2021 Abingdon Worship Annual. Illustration Credits: Designed by Sarah Brubaker and Freepik, and Sarah Brubaker and Vecteezy.
Participants In the Service
Preacher: Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady Liturgist: Rev. Kathy Thiel Director of Children's Ministry: Paula Dugan Organist: David Strong Soloists: Bess Phillips, Brenda Nitsch Dan McInerney, Jordan Bachmann Director of Music Ministry: Dr. Carl Johengen Audio Operator: Rick Church Video Operator: Kenny Bailey Graphics Operator: Connor Nelson Technology Support Team: Deb Bullock-Smith, Carolyn Curran, Ted Skomsky Technical Consultant: Justin Ocello
Benediction
Benediction Response
#672 "God Be With You", v. 1 Word: Jeremiah Rankin, 1880; Tune: God Be With You, William Tomer, 1880 God be with you till we meet again, By His counsels guide, uphold you, With His sheep securely fold you, God be with you till we meet again. Ref: Till we meet, till we meet, Till we meet at Jesus’ feet; Till we meet, till we meet, God be with you till we meet again.
Postlude
"Prelude and Fugue in F” — Vincent Lübeck
Virtual meetings
HOW TO JOIN A ZOOM MEETING Click the button above for your meeting. When you open the link, you should get some pop-ups asking questions like: 1. Do you want to open and run the program Zoom? 2. Do you want to connect with your computer audio? 3. Do you want to connect with your computer video? Click yes to any and all of these prompts. Once you have clicked through these prompts, you should be able to see yourself on your computer screen, and you should be able to see the rest of the group that is also logged on. If any group would like to utilize our Discipleship Zoom (passcode 200) account to take their meetings online, please contact Mike Mullin at mmullin@asburyfirst.org.
Click here for Zoom with Paula and Holly
Click here for Discipleship Meetings
Click here for Changing Weighs
Check out our online Zoom meetings! There are plenty of different groups and meetings to join during the stay-at-home restrictions. From Zoom with Miss Paula and Holly to Guided Meditations, or Dynamic Disciple Challenge meetings and Sunday morning lessons, there is plenty of variety. (Click the buttons below for some of the Zoom links.)
For a full list of events and clickable links, visit our online calendar here.
Click here for parables of Parenting class
Visit www.asburyfirst.org for a special prayer for our nation.
Annual Church Conference 2021
Give Online at www.asburyfirst.org/GIVE, text to give at 206-222-1050, OR MAIL IN YOUR CHECKS TO 1050 EAST AVENUE, ROCHESTER, NY 14607
Building Update
Join us on TODAY after the 11 am service on the live stream. We will discuss the campus projects, the nominations report, the 2021 budget, and much more.
We have accomplished a LOT while you've been away! Tune in to the Annual Church Conference TODAY to see some incredible Building Updates with Chuck Hanrahan. Visit www.asburyfirst.org/bettertogether for more details.
For more information, visit www.asburyfirst.org.